200tdi starter motor not popping

hey guys. i asked in my intro but i think not enough folks saw it. maybe, or they didn't like me

so i have a 90 (d reg) with a 200tdi dropped in with i believe the original NA gearbox that it was built with. when i turn the key the starter whizzes round but the cog doesn't slide and engage. 2 or 3 attempts later and it clicks and then you know it will work on the next turn. hope that makes sense?

So my questions:
1. can i whip the starter motor off and grease the shaft to help the cog slide?
2. Is it anything to do with the solenoid?
3. does the starter motor relate to the NA gearbox or the 200tdi engine?
4. How do i know if it has the NA or 200tdi gearbox?
5. Do i need a whole new starter motor or can it be fixed i think is what i am asking. i understand this is a common problem but did a search and didn't find much.

Any advice very much appreciated.

Steve

1. Yes
2. No
3. engine
4. pretty much the same - doesn't really matter.
5. big hammer might work! The starter's a bugger to get to!

DONT grease the shaft, itll get lots of clutch dust stuck on it and will seize even faster. Take it out, give it a clean, and then a VERY light spray of WD40 to free it off. Should work a treat then.

oh yeah. wot e sez! There's probably something in there really gloopy which is making it stick in the down position and not get centrifugally spun out.

beauty! to the point! and no abuse. winner

It was kind of what i was thinking but these landrovers are a bit different to cars. good call on not greasing it too, i think i have heard that before, it may be the cause of it sticking in the first place perhaps. I will give it a go and let you know.

Steve

did one on a siecento a while back for a mate, gear was really stiff on the shaft. I stripped it down, and put a tiny squirt of WD on it, pulled it along by hand, instantly free'd. jobs a goodun! Made me a swift £40 that did!